Visiting Washington, D.C.

Are you planning a visit to Washington, D.C.? Our office can help arrange tours of the U.S. Capitol Building and other historic, local area attractions. All of the tours are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

For questions about arranging tours or getting around in Washington, please contact our office at (202) 224-3254.

Coffee with Joni

Every Wednesday the Senate is in session, I invite Iowans who are in Washington, D.C. to join me for coffee at my office located in 111 Russell Senate Office Building. Please reach out to RSVP at schedule@ernst.senate.gov.

The U.S. Capitol is not only one of the most historic buildings in Washington, D.C., but it is also the meeting place of our legislative branch of government. There are many shared historical connections between Iowa and our nation’s capital. Ouroffice offers guided tours on weekdays from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. If you are interested in a Saturday tour of the U.S. Capitol, our office can arrange a tour provided by the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. Walk-up tours are also available Monday – Saturday through the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center on a first come, first served basis.

The home of the President and First Family is one of the most popular tour destinations in our nation’s capital. Public, self-guided tours of the White House are offered Tuesdays – Saturdays from 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM and must be reserved through a congressional office. White House tours are reserved on a first come, first served basis and availability is extremely limited. Our office recommends you submit your request three months in advance to maximize chances of receiving a tour.

The White House encourages you to take advantage of the White House Visitor Center, an educational resource facility run by the National Park Service, with interactive information about the White House, national parks and local history. The Visitor’s Center is located two blocks east of the White House at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. For more information, please call (202) 208-1631.

The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library with a collection of more than 160 million items. The Library of Congress conducts hour-long public tours Mondays – Fridays from 10:30 AM– 3:30 PM and on Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Reservations are not required for groups of 10 or fewer.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is in charge of designing, engraving and printing U.S. paper currency. During peak season (May – August), the BEP offers constituent tours Mondays – Fridays at 8:15 AM, 8:45 AM,4:00PM, 4:30 PM, and 4:45 PM. These tours must be arranged through a congressional office. Space is limited andour office encourages you to submit your request as early as possible. During the non-peak season (September – February), no reservations are required and tickets can be obtained at the BEP visitor entrance on 14th Street. During this time, public tours run every 15 minutes from 9:00 AM – 10:45 AM and from 12:30 PM– 2:00 PM.

The FBI Education Center offerstours Mondays – Thursdays from 10:00 AM– 4:00 PM.Tours must be arranged through a congressional office. The FBI requires 4 weeks of advanced notice from congressional offices prior to your visit. Like the White House, you are required to submit security information in order for your request to be processed.

Situated along the Potomac River, the Kennedy Center serves as ournation’s premiere performing arts center, as well as a memorial for President John F. Kennedy. Tours take place from 10:00 AM– 5:00 PM on weekdays and from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM on weekends, and occur every 10 minutes. Reservations are generally not required and walk-ins are welcome. However, if you’re traveling in a large group (20-60 people), reservations are required. Large group reservations can be made by contacting the Kennedy Center Visitors Center at (202) 416-8340.

Location: 2700 F Street NW

Closest Metro Stop: Foggy Bottom (There is a free shuttle bus which takes visitors from Foggy Bottom Metro Station to the Kennedy Center.)

The National Archives displays the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. Tours take place every day from 10:00 AM – 5:30PM. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are highly encouraged. Individuals and groups may reserve up to 15 spaces for the guided tour (available only at 9:45 AM, Monday – Friday). To make reservations please click hereor call (877) 444-6777. A $1.50 convenience fee may apply.

The Supreme Court building is open to visitors Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM. While walking tours are not offered, courtroom lectures are generally offered every hour on the half-hour during business hours. If the Court is in session, lectures will begin once it has adjourned. Lectures do not require tickets or reservations as visitors are admitted on a first come, first served basis. However, during peak season (March – September), the Supreme Court recommends contacting a congressional office to reserve a seat in lectures given Mondays – Fridays at 2:00 PM.

Location: 1 First Street NE

Closest Metro Stop: Union Station or Capitol South

Click to request a tour through our office:

Getting Around Washington, D.C.

With limited parking options and heavy traffic, public transportation is the recommended way of getting around Washington, D.C.

The Metro system provides transportation to many destinations within Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas. Find more information about route, fares and planning your trip here.

The D.C. Circulator bus runs along frequently used routes throughout the area, including routes from Dupont Circle to Georgetown and Rosslyn, from Georgetown to Union Station, around the National Mall, and many more. Find more information on bus routes and fares here.

With public transportation being the most efficient way of getting around D.C., please be prepared to do a great deal of walking. Our office is happy to help with questions or concerns regarding accessibility or any special needs. Information regarding accessibility and resources available can also be found here.